Liturgical Colors Through the Year

Liturgical Colors Through the Year

Each Sunday we read from scripture the lessons and witness of God interacting with humanity. As we follow the life and ministry of Jesus the church emphasizes certain events and times of his life so that we can focus more intently on our own. To draw our attention to the different lessons, the church changes the color of the season as a visual reminder and spiritual touchstone.

The living colors of the church year are important for us, especially if they are mixed, as they are right now as being red and green. More than just aesthetic choices, deep with spiritual significance, the colors are a witness of the rhythm, life and mood of our growth in Christ. They serve as an exterior sign that invites us to an interior reflection. As we explore the meanings behind these colors, we’ll see how they can deepen our understanding of our faith.

The Significance of Colors (note: I have separated the reds and purples into
their appropriate sub colors)
 
Royal Purple or Royal Blue: Repentance and Preparation
Following the tradition of the Sarum Rite (an old English rite), Royal Blue is the color for Advent. During the Middle Ages, when blue was too expensive to reproduce, “royal purple” (purple mixed with blue) was often used instead. This is why you still see some churches using purple in Advent (though usually not the correct royal purple). Theologically blue reflects tranquility, hope, anticipation, expectation, and confidence and a shade of blue is associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary. Royal Blue in Advent is appropriate as we emphasize Mary’s journey as she awaits the arrival of the Incarnate God. 

White: Purity and Joy
White is probably the most recognized of the liturgical colors. It is used during the most joyful times in the Church calendar, such as Christmas and Easter. It is also worn at baptisms, weddings, and funerals to symbolize the Resurrection. In the Bible, white garments are often associated with purity, holiness, and new life. In the book of Revelation, we find, “They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:14)

Green: Ordinary Time
After the Christmas and Easter seasons, the Church returns to what’s called Ordinary Time. This period, represented by the color green, isn’t “ordinary” in the sense of being common or mundane. Instead, it’s a time for growth and maturation in our faith, much like a plant grows in the natural world. As the Holy Spirit blows across the world, Green signifies this hopeful, unfolding journey of discipleship.

Orange Red: The Holy Spirit
Orange Red is the color of the fire of the Holy Spirit. It is used on Pentecost, when we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. Orange Red brings to mind the Holy Spirit, who gives us the courage to witness to our faith, even to the point of sacrificing our lives. The Bible tells us, “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.” (John 15:26)

Red or “Blood” Purple: Royal Sacrifice
Blood Purple is traditionally associated with royalty and suffering, making it an appropriate choice for Lent. It reminds us of Christ's passion and the sovereignty he claimed through his suffering and resurrection. In the context of Lent, Blood Purple also symbolizes penance, repentance, and renewal. And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him. (Mark 15:17-20)

Rose Candle: Joy Within Preparation
Rose is used just twice a year: once during Advent (Gaudete Sunday) and once during Lent (Laetare Sunday). On these Sundays, the Church takes a brief pause from her penitential posture to rejoice in the coming joy of Christmas or Easter. The rose color signifies this sense of joy and anticipation within a season of preparation.

Black: Mourning and Remembrance
While not commonly used, black can still be worn for services of mourning, Lenten services and for All Souls’ Day. It is a stark reminder of human mortality and the transient nature of earthly life. While it may seem bleak, it is also a reminder that our ultimate hope lies in the Resurrection. As St. Paul writes, “If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.” (1 Corinthians 15:19-20)

It’s essential to remember that the use of liturgical colors is not a matter of divine command but a tradition developed over centuries to enrich our worship. The colors are not strictly necessary for the seasons, but they hold a cherished place in the Church’s life, offering visual cues that lead us into a deeper experience of the mysteries of faith.

The liturgical colors are a vivid tapestry that marks the ebb and flow of the Church’s life. Like the rich symbolism found throughout Scripture and Tradition, they invite us into a more profound and meaningful relationship with God. Through them, we are drawn into the beauty and depth of the liturgy, which is the corporate expression and offering of God’s people to God. In this way, something as simple as color can lead us to contemplate the inexhaustible richness of God’s love and mercy.

In Living Color,
Fr. Bill+